Life Is Not a Correspondence Course, Revisited ....4/2/13

    "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its trouble,
 but it does empty today of its strength."

Go ahead and stop the video. You'll find it down below.

        I'll wait.

        Sorry about that.  I'm still new at technology.  I actually used HTML to embed the video.  I don't know how to do that with the video NOT starting up right away.  That's okay.  I'll be gentle towards myself----progress, not perfection.  It's a terrific video by a fellow that I quote here, in this inn.

      This entry is our feature for today. Written twenty-one months ago, some of you were not familiar with the inn. Let me know what you think.

Staying In the Solution:
       The quote above reminds us of the value of staying in the solution when troubled.  What can be done? What are our options, given our circumstances?  Focusing----while relying upon God's strength and direction, and working with the support of our Balcony People (click here, for more info on who they are) -----on what can be done, is the best approach.
        It's critical to realize there are alternatives. We are not helpless, hopeless victims.  Constant complaining only makes our problems loom larger and more disturbing. (Hope For Today, p. 189, One Day At a Time, p. 75)

        Looking at what can extricate us from the miry bogs that life is full of, is staying in the solution.  Exercising healthy alternatives are the bridges or slate stepping stones tossed across the swampland portions of life.  Staying present, is neither fearing nor panicking, but diligently applying sound principles.

        It's placing the slate stones of principles above the weak parts of our personality. They allow us to move forward towards a satisfying life, surrounded by caring, supportive friends. We're less likely to get swallowed up by the quicksand of despair and self-pity:

"Acting like a victim is a choice, not a destiny."     Hope, p. 189

Life Is Not a Correspondence Program
Growth Occurs When We Are in Community With Others 

        I mentioned "working with the support of our Balcony People." Life is not a correspondence program.  It's not reading helpful books, watching helpful programs on PBS and writing down our answers that solves the life difficulties.  Nope, life isn't as simple as that.

       Surrounding ourselves with emotionally and psychologically healthy others, is the way to go. These are people whose talk and walk are dynamic. They know serenity and sanity, even in the midst of life's trials.
   
       These individuals thrive during difficult moments.  They are known for their joy.  No upside down smiles are found on their faces, for the most part.

       Take a listen to the following video, it's well worth it. Trust me. Here, Dr. Henry Cloud speaks about the quality of positivity and resiliency characteristic of those who succeed.

       They "put their arms around negative reality." I hope it inspires you as it does me.  You might want to start it from the beginning, now that you are not distracted.
   

        We need psychological and emotional distance to be honest about our frailties. There are issues that are such a part of us, like our nose, that we don't notice them. Having Balcony People as a part of our personal community ensures growth. They ask us the hard questions.

         It's easy rationalizing unacceptable behavior: "Well, everyone else does it..." "You didn't see that person...." "He made me angry...."  Supportive, Balcony People don't enable us, they don't allow us to get away with denial, not taking responsibility for our actions.

"Open rebuke is greater than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of the enemy are deceitful."        Proverbs 27:5-6.  

     Do we want to continue with habits that really don't serve us?  I thought not.

My Gratitudes:

1. Removing clutter from my work is encouraging; I took care of details today. Doing so always provides more clarity regarding my office work.
2. I'm moving forward in my life. I'm working toward goals that will enable me to expand my business and allow me to work in a beautiful environment.
3. I saw several friends this evening.  It's nice having consistency in my life. I see these friends almost every week.
4.  I'm going to bed early tonight. I look forward to getting extra rest. I'm beat.

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How About You? 

How might God, or your Higher Power, want you to put your arms around negative reality, during this season in your life? 

I'd love hearing your answers.

Images: "Countryside Old Bridge" by Tim Blessed,  used by permission